The key facts

  • Hürzeler: “I am fully focused on my job here, I have no time to think about the rumors”
  • Manchester United under Carrick have not won in seven straight matches, including a 1:4 defeat to Como
  • Brighton sit third in the Premier League and drew 0:0 with Jablonec in the Europa League on Wednesday

Hürzeler on the rumors: respect for Carrick

Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler said he is fully focused on his work at the club and does not comment on rumors naming him as a potential successor to the Manchester United manager's post. According to AFP, the position of current United manager Michael Carrick is under threat after a run of seven matches without a win, the low point of which was a 1:4 defeat to Champions League debutants Como on Wednesday. Hürzeler noted that he has great respect for Carrick for his work with Manchester United at the end of last season, calling him “an excellent person and personality” and emphasizing their good personal relationship.

Context: Brighton's start and the situation at United

Brighton's bright start to the Premier League season has led to the 33-year-old German coach being named as a possible successor if United make a mid-season managerial change — which would be the third in a row. Brighton sit third in the table, behind only Manchester City and reigning champions Arsenal, with an away match against Liverpool coming up on Sunday. “I am fully focused on my job here. I have no time to think about these rumors because we play every three days,” Hürzeler said.

Results and plans

Brighton's goalscoring run came to an end on Thursday with a 0:0 draw against Czech side Jablonec in the Europa League. Among the team's successes this season is a 3:2 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in the League Cup last month after coming back from 0:2. Despite the strong start, Hürzeler believes the team still has room to grow: “There are still improvements we can make, there is still a lot of potential to be unlocked from the players.” He added that he relies on experts and a group of players who support him and give their all for the club, and that the relationships built over recent years take time and are not taken for granted.